AK conducts anti-doping seminar ahead of national championship

Athletics Kenya (AK) on Friday conducted an anti-doping seminar for all competing athletes in Saturday’s national cross-country championship to be held in Ngong Race Course.

The event organised by AK alongside the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) was aimed at educating athletes against doping even as the menace continues to in the country.

The national fiesta had been earmarked for February 8 but was postponed due to the demise of former president Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi who was laid to rest on Wednesday.

The annual event will also double as the trials for the Africa Cross Country Championships to be held in April 8 in Lome, Togo.

At the same time, Kenya Prisons Service head coach Gedion Chirchir has exuded confidence of bagging both the men’s and women’s senior titles.

The seasoned tactician will be banking on Charles Mneria who retained his title at the Service’s Championship alongside Emmanuel Ngutuny, Geoffrey Korir and Luke Kibet.

On the women’s front Loice Chemining will lead the line alongside Sandra Chebet, African Games 5000m champion Lilian Kasait, Abigael Chebet and Nancy Nzisa.

Although the warders will miss out on the experienced Alice Aprot as well as the reigning Africa Cross Country champion Celliphine Chespol, Chirchir is equally impressed with his current team.

“We have had good preparations and I hope we will carry the day. We know it is going to be very competitive but we are ready for it,” Chirchir told Citizen Digital.

Powerhouse Kenya Police Service will as well seek to dominate the event when it unleashes its star-studded team led by world cross country bronze medallist Geoffrey Kamworor and Josephat Boit.

Youngster Jackline Cherotich will team up with Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist Stacy Ndiwa and world 5000m silver medallist Margaret Chelimo.

With national champion Hellen Obiri having pulled out of the championship due to injury, Kenya Defence Forces will rely on world half marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei, Dorcas Kimeli and Joyce Chepkemoi to retain their title.

Africa Cross Country champion Alfred Barkach, Kibiwott Kandie and Phenus Kipleting will lead the soldiers’ assault in the men’s senior race.

Fireworks is also expected in the in the junior races as World Under-20 hopefuls take each other head on.

South Rift’s trio of Edna Jebitok, Maurine Cherotich and Fancy Cherono are among the favourites in the women’s 6km race.

Also, for the first time, athletes below 18 will compete in 5km race for girls and 6km boys.